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Who We Are

For 50 years, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has been the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy on the full spectrum of clean water issues, as well as a top technical resource for water management, sustainability and ecosystem protection interests.

NACWA represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide. The Association's unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for all member utilities, and ensures they have the tools necessary to provide affordable and sustainable clean water for all.

Our vision is to represent every utility as a NACWA member, helping build a strong and sustainable clean water future.

What We Offer

Orange County Utilities Makes an Impact on Workforce Development

Mar 13, 2024

Orange County Utilities in Florida developed the H2O Pipeline Classroom to Career Program as a vocational initiative designed to train high school seniors to become Class C water or wastewater treatment operators. As the water sector experiences a workforce shortage that is only expected to worsen in the coming years, the H2O Pipeline Program provides a way to develop workers who are equipped and committed to providing essential water and wastewater services for their community.

With curriculum developed by the California State University, Sacramento, the primary goal of the program is to provide students with the motivation and support they need to achieve proficiency in utility operations.  A variety of methods are employed to attain this objective, such as classroom instruction, site visits to water and wastewater plants, hands-on training, guest speakers, and conference attendance.

NEAA24-Orange-County

Beyond building awareness of the sector and providing training for interested students, the H2O Pipeline Program aids in preparing participants to successfully enter the workforce through a paid apprenticeship and support in achieving licensure.  In the inaugural year of the program, ten students successfully completed the in-school portion of the program, each student achieving certification in the California State University, Sacramento courses. Six of the ten students were hired as apprentices for the six-week post-graduation summer internship. During the summer apprenticeship, five out of six of the students passed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class C Wastewater operator exam on their first attempt. Each of the six students were offered the chance to stay on past the six-week apprenticeship, due to their knowledge and strong work ethic. Two of the students have now been onboarded in a full-time capacity.

The H20 Pipeline Program serves multiple community needs by providing a pathway to a career for eligible high school seniors who are not pursuing advanced education, while simultaneously connecting the Orange County Utilities Department with a source of qualified recruits.  The program develops a strong and beneficial relationship among multiple parties, including Orange County Utilities, local high school students, Orange County Public Schools, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association. 

NACWA awarded Orange County Utilities a 2024 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Workforce Development category for its impactful workforce program. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Board Of Directors

NACWA's Board of Directors embodies the clean water sector's most accomplished leadership, informed by decades of collective experience and expertise in water utility operation and management. The Board leads NACWA's governance, allowing it to serve its members with focus and integrity. 

Staff Directory

The Association is its people. And NACWA's dedicated staff defines the organization's commitment to passionate advocacy, forward thinking leadership and ethical service to members and the clean water community as a whole. They're dedicated and energetic. They're also a lot of fun. Give us a ring...


Member Agencies & Affiliates

The strength of NACWA is its member agencies and affiliates, from publicly-owned wastewater treatment agencies to corporate affiliates from throughout the clean water management chain.  Our unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for all members, ensuring they have the tools and expertise necessary to help shape the clean water landscape both locally and nationally.

Committees

NACWA’s committee structure invites Association members to work collectively to shape national clean water policy. NACWA’s committees not only help develop the Association's positions on policy and legislation, they help build and foster NACWA's peer-to-peer networking strength, while achieving key initiatives that benefit all members.

Awards

Each year, NACWA recognizes the outstanding commitment, innovation and achievements of individuals and agencies through our national awards programs. From contributions to environmental protection, to diligence in compliance, to even intangible positive impact. NACWA is honored to highlight service excellence within the clean water sector.

Join NACWA

Engage and collaborate with member utilities of all sizes—small, medium and large—with affiliates/stakeholders from all regions of the country. Membership is not only a path to improving operations or enhancing professional development, it’s a unique opportunity to join the strongest unified voice for shared clean water interests nationwide.

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